Visit Ladakh in deep winter to experience one of the world's most magnificent and beautiful landscapes, in its most peaceful season and in total contrast to the summer crowds. You are very likely to see rare wildlife at this time of year in the frozen valleys and high above the tiny mountain villages.
 As winter begins, we select our route {Chaddar, Lama Yuru circuit via Kongski-la, Lama Yuru to Photoksar} depending on the winter conditions and ice formation in this highly sensitive mountain ecosystem. As winter begins, we wait for the ice formation on the chader trek route in this highly sensitive mountain ecosystem. You are very likely to see rare wildlife at this time of year in the frozen valleys and high above the tiny mountain villages.
Our route takes you deep into the frozen winter landscape among some of the world's highest mountains and spectacular landscapes, lit under a bright winter sun and sparkling mid-winter stars. Our Camps are at about 3500 metres {11,480 feet}. The cold temperatures are a challenge for everyone, but this experience is suitable for all ages and abilities. Frozen rivers and majestic mountains
Departing from Leh by road along the frozen Indus River to our trek start point {about 50 kilometres}. Our routes vary from 7-14 days {depending on your preference}, taking you deep into the frozen winter landscape among some of the world's highest mountains.

Frozen rivers and majestic mountains
Departing from Leh by road along the frozen Indus River to our trek start point {about 50 kilometres}. Our routes vary from 7-14 days {depending on your preference}, taking you deep into the frozen winter landscape among some of the world's highest mountains.

Winter camp
We make camp along the way, on the riverside and in caves. Our camps are at about 3,500 metres {11,480 feet} and although the cold temperatures are a challenge for everyone, this experience is suitable for all ages and abilities. Night-time temperatures are around -25 degrees centigrade : we provide you with insulated gear and tents to survive this extreme and a big hot breakfast to revive you in the bright morning.

Experience the serenity and peace of ancient villages in deep winter
Ladakh is famous for its colourful monasteries and friendly villages, where hot tea is always on offer. Visit in winter to experience true life in the mountains and find deep peace in the tranquil landscape.

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival at Leh, acclimatise and overnight stay in guest house in leh.

Day 02

Travel to Tilad-do {10,390ft} by road via chilling {about 65km}, Overnight stay in tents

Day 03 

Trek Tilad dho to Shingra Koma {altitude 10550ft} {about 10km}, overnight stay in tents

Day 04

Trek Shingra Koma to Tibb Cave {altitude 10,760ft} {15km}, Overnight Stay in Tents.

Day 05

Trek Tibb cave to Neyrak Camp {altitude 11,150ft} {12.5km}, nearby frozen waterfall. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 06

Return to Tibb cave {about 12.5km trek}, overnight stay in tents.

Day 07

Trek Tibb cave to Shingra Koma {15km}, Overnight stay in Tents.

Day 08 

Trek Shingra Koma to Tilad Do {10km} then drive to Leh {about 65km}. Overnight stay in guest house in leh.

Day 09 

Enjoy a last view of Ladakh before Leaving to Leh Airport for your flight home. We hope you depart with happy and vivid memories of this enchanting, mysterious landscape and we look forward to welcoming you again in Ladakh. Why not share some of your photos and memories via our website and Facebook group/Page?

A few Recommendations ...

Ladakh is situated in the Himalayas and the locations you will visit are all above 3,500 metres. Even if this is not your first time visiting the high mountains, we strongly recommend that you:

Fit for the mountains

Before you travel:

• visit your doctor for a check-up about one month before depature, especially if you plan to fly

• drink lots of water {about 4 litres per day} for at least 3 days before departure

• avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least a week before travelling to the mountains

• eat lots of high-protein foods {beans, tofu, non-veg} and iron-rich foods {spinach, apricots}\

• workouts that exercise your leg joints, lower back muscles and core muscles around your spine will help your body during trekking. Contact us for personalised advice on your pre-trek workout programme.

On arrival into Leh:

• please allow 24 hours for your body to begin to adjust to high altitude.

• you may experience headaches in the first 48 hours: these are likely to become less severe. Let your body adjust naturally, don't take medicines unless explicity advised by your doctor.

• your kidneys, lungs and liver are particularly affected by altitude: drink lots of water and ginger tea. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol for at least 72 hours on arrival.

• every person responds differently to the mountain environment and phyiscal fitness is no guarantee that you will not experience the effects of altitude: relax and give yourself time to adjust.

After your visit:

• allow at least 48 hours to readjust to your home location, particularly if you fly

• drink plenty of water and sleep during the first 24 hours on arrival at home

• you may experience headaches or nausea: avoid medicines unless advised by your doctor and let your body readjust naturally

• share your adventures with friends and family and enjoy the total buzz of that return from the mountains' feeling!

What to Bring for Trek

A warm welcome from the Mountain Intelligence team! We look forward to welcoming you in Ladakh for your winter adventure.

We advise that you pack according to what you feel comfortable carrying. As a guide, you can fit the essentials in a 25kg day-pack. You are responsible for carrying all your own personal items {including clothes and shoes} * that are listed here, and you are also responsible for the security of your papers and valuables etc. We recommend you pack and practicecarrying at home, at least a few times before your arrival into Leh.

Here are the items which we recommend that each person bring with them on the trek. Mandatory items are underlined:

Clothing
    • Base layer: wicking underwear helps to keep comfortable in all temperatures
    • Mid layer: insulating jacket/vest/pants helps keep core body heat
    • Waterproof or soft-shell trousers protect from snow and also help keep core body heat
    • Dry clothing for camp {you may want to change at night into different warm clothes for sleeping}
    • Insulating hat, cap or headband – keeping ears and head warm is vital
    • Facemask or Balaclava can help with cutting out the windchill that reduces body temperature very fast
    • Goggles or mountain-grade sunglasses can help with visibility at high passes in snow and very bright winter sun
    • Gloves or mittens are essential for keeping hands and fingers warm
    • Waterproof over-mitts are recommended – we don’t climb in the snow but a fall can easily become miserable if your hands get wet
Footwear
Your feet are your most important equipment on the trek! You will need:
    • Insulated boots {not gumboos} for walking
    • Socks: you need to wear at least three pairs, comprising liner {thin} socks, mid-layer and outer woollen socks. Sports socks are ideal as a mid-layer. Do not bring nylon or other non-breathable socks, these will damage your feet.
    • Please pack gumboots for wearing in the camp or in the unlikely chance we have to cross running water
    • You may want to pack casual shoes for your flight to/from Leh and acclimatisation in Leh.


Winter Gear
    • Day bag/pack for carrying your personal items and drinking water, camera etc. is essential and must be worn on the back. Always keep your hands free when trekking.
    • Please bring your own water bottle. Thermos flask is recommended.
    • Gaiters are recommended over boots in day-time to keep out the snow
    • Trekking poles are optional, many trekkers find they help when walking through snow
    • Sleeping bag liner. A cotton liner is essential and can be easily made from a folded bedsheet if you don’t want to purchase one.
    • Sleeping bag. We provide sleeping bags but you may want to bring your own or a thin one as a liner {and for hygiene we do recommend you consider this}.
Personal items
    • Toothbrush and daily needs kit. We recommend you zip these items in a small pocket bag and carry it in your day bag for easy access on arrival into camp.
    • Toilet / tissue paper. Make sure it is biodegradable and dispose of it properly {do not throw in the streams and rivers}. Our pristine mountain environment is very precious and we do not tolerate pollution.
    • Hand sanitizer and a quick dry towel is strongly recommended – an easy way to keep clean in cold temperatures.
    • Notebook and pen or pencil
    • We recommend a portable power backup device for your camera / phone, as electricity supply in the remote mountains is very limited / unavailable.
    • We recommend reusable hand-warmers. These can be purchased online in India and are worth the small investment for placing inside your gloves, keeping your hands warm. Similarly, a hot-water bottle is a great idea and we can fill them at night for a small charge {Rs.40}, to cover fuel costs.
Nutrition
    • We recommend dry fruits, energy snacks and energy beverages which can be purchased from large sports stores and online. They are easy to pack and give you an energy boost between meals, particularly in the mid-afternoon.
    • If you have special dietary requirements {i.e. on medical grounds}, please inform us well in advance. We will do our best to cater to your needs {but this may be chargeable}. If you have a favourite tea, snack etc. please bring your own supply as shops in Leh have a very limited stock during the winter months.




Papers and Identity Card
    • Please bring an up-to-date Medical Certificate from your certified doctor. We also accept a scanned copy via email, at least 7 days prior to your arrival in Leh.
    • Undertaking certificate – to be signed 7 days prior to your arrival in Leh. We send this via PDF to your email.
    • Your identity card or other form of ID {passport, driving license, Aadhaar Card} may be required for permits in certain areas

*Too much to carry? We can provide a porter at an extra charge per day, per person. Rates vary seasonally: please enquire at the time of booking.